Arkansas Republican Senate hopeful Tom Cotton is defending his vote to abolish a federal agency formed to assist the Mississippi River Delta, telling leaders from the region that taxpayers aren't getting a good return from its spending.

Cotton said Thursday he believes Arkansans aren't getting enough in exchange for the federal money that goes toward regional commissions like the Delta Regional Authority.

Cotton, a freshman congressman from south Arkansas, voted for a budget proposal that would have eliminated the DRA and other regional commissions.

Local & Regional News

11:38 am

Thu June 12, 2014

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Mike Ross is proposing a review of all Arkansas rules and regulations that have been in place longer than three years as part of a jobs plan he's unveiling.

Ross on Thursday detailed a 46-page economic development plan that he says will help create more and better-paying jobs in the state. Ross is running against fellow ex-congressman Asa Hutchinson in the November election for the state's top office.

Local & Regional News

9:11 am

Thu June 12, 2014

Gov. Mike Beebe and Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Cotton are addressing members of the Delta Grassroots Caucus as the group begins a two-day conference.

Beebe is scheduled to speak to the group at the Clinton presidential library on Thursday about the state's "private option" Medicaid expansion. His address comes two days after an architect of the program lost his bid for a state Senate seat. Beebe is a Democrat serving his final term.

Local & Regional News

12:34 pm

Mon June 9, 2014

U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Arkansas was back at work in Washington Monday for the first time since having emergency heart surgery two months ago. And with his return, the Republican said he will be seeking a second term in 2016.

“This is the first day back and I’ve been working hard with my rehab and all that stuff and I’m in good shape,” Boozman said in an interview with KUAR News.

Former President Bill Clinton says libraries and other sites around the country honoring the nation's past commanders in chief give Americans the context to understand how past debates affect current political fights.

Speaking at a conference focusing on presidential historic sites, Clinton said Tuesday that teaching the public about the history surrounding former presidents' decisions helps guide them about issues facing the country now.

A year after he was appointed to take over Arkansas' scandal-plagued state treasurer's office, Charles Robinson has fulfilled the goal laid out for him by the governor and lawmakers: Keep the low-profile office out of the news.

Beebe and lawmakers are praising Robinson, who was appointed to the post a year ago this week.

Tue May 27, 2014

A week after securing their parties' nominations for Arkansas' top office, Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Mike Ross and Republican Asa Hutchinson have agreed to a statewide televised debate.

Little Rock television station KATV announced Tuesday that Ross and Hutchinson agreed to participate in an hour-long debate on Oct. 7. The debate will be held at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and will air live statewide on KATV, in conjunction with KHBS/KHOG and KAIT. It will also be live-streamed on station websites.